A Suffolk hospice care boss has said the service is facing "growing financial strain" amid cuts and issues with funding.

Linda McEnhill, chief executive officer at St Nicholas Hospice Care which is based in Bury St Edmunds, said a sustainable funding model is urgently needed following recent cuts. 

Her calls coincide with the national Hospice Care Week (October 7-13) and are part of a public campaign by St Nicholas Hospice Care to raise awareness of the need for "consistent and fair funding" to ensure that patients across West Suffolk and Thetford can receive the care they deserve.

Ms McEnhill said: "Our ability to deliver care should not be compromised by financial instability.

“Hospices like ours are facing a growing financial strain, as funding sources become less reliable, and costs continue to rise.

“This campaign is about highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable funding model that allows us to focus on what we do best - caring for our patients.”

The hospice said it had its statutory funding cut by the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and saw the loss of a £80,000 annual grant.

Ms McEnhill said: "On 27 March 2024, just before the new financial year, the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (N&W ICB) cut our statutory funding and the loss of our £80k annual grant has created a significant funding gap at a time when financial pressures are already high.

"This decision was made without consulting with us, or other key stakeholders.

“Our mission is to ensure that no one in Thetford faces dying, death, and grief alone. However, recent funding cuts put this mission at risk.

“Inadequate funding places St Nic's in a very difficult position and we cannot let funding cuts compromise end-of-life care.

"In this case without warning the people of Thetford were left at risk of being left without end-of-life care services," she added.

A statement from St Nicholas Hospice said the service does receive some statutory funding, which currently covers around 20% of their costs, but they still need to generate a further £17,500 of income per day.

The charity is calling for people to write to their MPs to show their support.

"We need the community’s help to secure a future where hospice care is not just available, but sustainable," Ms McEnhill said.

"Together, we can make sure that St Nicholas Hospice Care remains a vital resource for those who need us most."

A spokesperson for the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board said: “We are faced with a challenging financial position and we have had to make some difficult decisions, including this one.

"We are sorry that we were not able to allocate another grant to St Nicholas Hospice Care.

"More broadly, we are working with local organisations to look at how we can improve palliative and end of life care.”

A spokesperson from St Elizabeth Hospice, which is based in Ipswich, said in a statement about Hospice Care Week: "St Elizabeth Hospice, like all hospices across the country, places the best interests of its local community, patients, volunteers, and staff at the heart of every decision it makes.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support we continue to receive from the community. This generosity enables us to deliver vital care to over 4,000 patients and their families across East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth, and Waveney each year.

“During these challenging economic times, we recognise that everyone is facing difficulties and we are saddened to hear of the impact this is having across the hospice sector.

“As a hospice, we are truly humbled by the unwavering support we receive from the local community. Your commitment allows us to sustain our mission of providing compassionate care to those who need it most."